(AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
The semi-annual ritual of complaining about racing at Auto Club Speedway is just about to be put to bed for 2009. As NASCAR is poised to move ahead and return to its home track, there is time for one final discussion about the nature of NASCAR racing in Southern California. There is no attempt to sell anyone on the merits of ACS here. What is here? This is nothing more than a discussion and overview of the complex problem ACS faces in filling the stands.
Locally, there is a love/hate relationship with Auto Club Speedway among fans who have gone to the track in past years. Extreme heat had plagued the Labor Day events while weepers made a mockery of the February event last year. Hospitality was noticeably lacking, especially once a race fan went to other tracks known for fancentric activities. (Admittedly, Gillian Zucker and her staff did work harder to beef up hospitality with the inaugural Chase race. ) It can be hard to find a season ticket holder from the first seasons at ACS/California Speedway when Penske owned the track.
The locals’ feeling is different from the general apathy NASCAR nation has for the Southern California track. Admittedly, the racing at ACS can be snoozer, with an occasional big wreck like the one Brad Keselowski had in the Fall 2007 Nationwide race (see video below). While drivers enjoy turning relatively easy laps, the resulting race can be more follow-the-leader than a battle of wills. That is in addition to the special distain that came from moving the Labor Day race from Darlington.
There is no denying that ACS is far from the must-see destinations that Bristol, Talladega or Daytona are. Just as the trip to Michigan International Speedway serves a greater purpose with regard to manufacturer relations, California serves a purpose beyond just the race itself.
Like it or not, NASCAR is no longer primarily a Southeast or East Coast endeavor. In fact, it was a young Californian who is credited with making NASCAR a national phenomenon. “Jeff Gordon opened the sport up for the rest of us,” Matt Kenseth stated. “Growing up, I didn’t think that I would be able to do this.” NASCAR fans have enjoyed increased coverage of the sport, as well as other opportunities, due to the fact that the sport does have a coast-to-coast audience.
By coming to Southern California a couple of times a year, NASCAR is fostering both media coverage with Hollywood nearby and public outreach. Before California is summarily dismissed as irrelevant to NASCAR nation, it has to be noted that Jimmie Johnson - the same driver going for a record title - considers Fontana a trip home. Would Race Day be the same without Robby Gordon’s attitude and one-car team dream? Has the Mears Gang lost its significance in motorsports? Wasn’t it Harvick who put Goodwrench back in Victory Lane after Earnhardt’s accident? That is a small sampling of California’s contribution to NASCAR without even going into the other two series. (Hint: Imagine the Camping World Truck Series without Ron Hornaday or Matt Crafton, and the list goes on.)
PART II: Excuses, Excuses: The Auto Club Speedway Conundrum
September 2007
For more information on Southern California Motorsports, check out:
With crossed flags in hand, it is still to early to give the Cup to Jimmie Johnson
Johnson faces pit problems and debris cautions to keep the hometown party alive
Janelle Jalbert is a fan of a variety of racing formats and equally enjoys the history of the sport. Janelle grew up in an auto mechanic’s family and swears that there is carb spray running through her veins. She can be reached via email for both comments and story ideas. You can follow Janelle as the Southern California Motorsports Examiner on Twitter as @SoCalMotorsport.
Janelle also serves as the NASCAR Truck Series Examiner. Feel free to join the discussion about the hard racing in the CWTS at the NASCAR Truck Series Examiner fan page on Facebook
PART II: Excuses, Excuses: The Auto Club Speedway Conundrum
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